title: Beta-interferon for multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Interferon beta is widely used as first-line treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Several products are marketed world-wide, and biosimilar products are emerging. Interferon beta reduces relapse rates by about 1/3, and reduces the appearance of new MRI lesions by about 2/3, and some studies have shown reduced disability progression, and reduced rates of brain atrophy. The mechanism of action of interferon beta in MS is poorly understood, partly due to the complex nature of the biological response to interferon injections. This mini-review succinctly summarizes clinical effects, possible mechanism of action, physiochemical properties of the different interferon products, issues related to immunogenicity, and biomarkers of the interferon beta response, and proposes important unresolved issues for future research.
authors.affiliation: Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. rudickr@ccf.org
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rudick
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Goelz
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta